Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Thursday’s racing taking place at Carlisle, Wincanton, Chelmsford City, and Lingfield Park.
CARLISLE
Race 3: No2 – STONER’S CHOICE (Nap)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Max Kendrick
Although far from fluent on his two starts over jumps, STONER’S CHOICE has finished second in a novice hurdle at Perth and won there in decisive fashion. In fairness to the gelding his jumping improved as that latest race unfolded, and he should be capable of getting the better of Blakeney Point and returning hurdler (from fences) Instant Replay.
Race 4: No5 – LOUGHAN
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
This stable hasn’t made its usual lightning start to the season but its emphasis will be on quality just as much as quantity. In LOUGHAN they have an interesting prospect who improved for the graduation to hurdles, placing at Huntingdon and Hereford before lockdown. The hooded son of Yeats has worked and schooled well ahead of this second division of the novices’ hurdle.
Race 5: No10 – CAGE OF FEAR
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Paddy Brennan
When scoring on chase debut at Perth CAGE OF FEAR looked better the further he travelled. He put the race to bed in eye taking fashion and is a lightly-raced individual with the prospect of a lot more to offer. That profile makes him of serious interest against the resplendent Kings Temptation, who rates a big danger in pursuit of a fourth successive win this season.
WINCANTON
Race 3: No5 – MOON OF BARODA (Nap)
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Tom O’Brien
With earning runs at Salisbury and Newcastle on his last two outings, MOON OF BARODA is in a good spot to gain a first success over jumps in this novices’ hurdle. The grey can take full advantage of the 7lb he receives from the penalised Celestial Force.
Race 4: No4 – CHANTECLER
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
CHANTECLER has made great strides since being equipped with a hood, finishing third at Bangor before scoring at Stratford and Hexham. His stable is amongst the winners, and even though this is his toughest assignment the nine-year-old should be up to the task at hand.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 2: No6 – HEADINGLEY (Nap)
Trainer: Mark Johnston – Jockey: William Buick
Lingfield scorer Desert Empire will command plenty of respect from punters but might struggle to successfully concede 7lb to HEADINGLEY. The son of Dawn Approach was only denied in a photo by Contact at Ayr and should be able to utilise the track craft gained from that to open his account.
Race 8: No1 – SONNETINA
Trainer: Denis Coakley – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
SONNETINA ran one of her best races on her only visit to this course, failing by a neck to resist Led Astray last month. She’s been a model of consistency on both grass and the all-weather and deserves the change of luck having the champion jockey on board might bring her.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1: No11 – ACCOMPLICE
Trainer: Michael Blanshard – Jockey: David Probert
ACCOMPLICE enjoyed a nice tow into the race when scoring in snug fashion here last week. The mare edged out Nat Love as the two pulled well clear of their foes. If turning up in a similar mood the six-year-old will be hard to keep out of the money.
Race 8: No11 – ONE STEP TOO FAR
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
ONE STEP TOO FAR has been green in his five starts but probably learned something on his latest outing in a Leicester seller. He looked to be done for approaching the final furlong but went past everything but easy scorer Glass Of Bubbles to grab second. He will be more streetwise and can make an impact on the way to the Horses In Training Sales.
